The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it is fully prepared to receive the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq ibn Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit Nigeria early next month ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, stated this in Abuja while receiving an advance delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He described the visit as timely, noting that it underscores the strong bilateral partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in the management of Hajj and Umrah operations.
Professor Usman said discussions with the delegation focused on critical issues affecting Nigerian pilgrims, with assurances from the Saudi team that long-standing challenges would be addressed to ensure a smoother Hajj experience.
He added that the Minister’s visit would further strengthen coordination and allow Nigerian authorities to engage directly with Saudi officials on operational matters.
Head of the Saudi delegation, Professor Ghassan Alnuaimi, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to a well-coordinated, affordable and safe Hajj.
He stressed that all agreements signed must be implemented within stipulated timelines and in line with official procedures.
Professor Alnuaimi dismissed claims that Saudi Arabia is profit-driven in Hajj affairs, explaining that under the Saudi Vision, priority is placed on pilgrims’ welfare, affordability, safety, transport and accommodation.
He also highlighted ongoing educational cooperation, revealing that over one hundred Nigerian students are currently studying Islamic propagation and Arabic in Madinah.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at NAHCON, Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, appealed to Saudi authorities to reconsider Nigeria’s earlier Hajj slot allocation of 65,000 pilgrims.